First Ever International Horticultural Exhibition to Obtain "ISO 20121:2024" Certification ~Advancing Towards Creating Concrete Achievements and Legacies for the Realization of a Sustainable Society~

Photo (Left): Masato Kawamura, Secretary General of GREEN×EXPO Association Photo (Right): Harold Pradal, Global Business President, BSI Group

The GREEN×EXPO Association (Official Name: Public Interest Incorporated Association The 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition Association, Chairman: Yoshinobu Tsutsui, Location: Naka-ku, Yokohama) obtained certification for the international standard for sustainable event management, "ISO 20121:2024," on June 25, 2026 (Thu). Furthermore, a "Certificate Award Ceremony" was held during the "International Participants Meeting" on June 30, 2026 (Tue).

This is the first time an international horticultural exhibition of this scale (A1 category) approved by AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers) has obtained "ISO 20121:2024" certification*. *Based on investigations by our association and the certification body. This demonstrates that a management system has been established to comprehensively consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with the preparation and operation of GREEN×EXPO 2027 and to implement continuous improvements. We will continue to work with diverse stakeholders to create concrete achievements and legacies for the realization of a sustainable society.

<ISO 20121:2024 Certificate Award Ceremony Overview>

Date: June 30, 2026 (Tue)

Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center

Speakers:

Harold Pradal, Global Business President, BSI Group

Masato Kawamura, Secretary General, Public Interest Incorporated Association The 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition Association

Congratulatory Remarks (Titles omitted)

●Harold Pradal, Global Business President, BSI Group

The acquisition of ISO 20121 certification is a testament to a deep and sincere commitment to sustainability. I commend the establishment of a robust management system that supports the achievement of the SDGs under the theme of "Landscaping for a Better Tomorrow." I also highly appreciate the unwavering commitment and consistent efforts of the entire organization, including the promotion of sustainable procurement and the establishment of continuous improvement. GREEN×EXPO 2027 is a global platform shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, and this certification marks a significant milestone as the first for an A1 class international horticultural exhibition. We look forward to further achievements leading up to its opening in 2027.

Association Greeting (Titles omitted)

●Masato Kawamura, Secretary General, Public Interest Incorporated Association The 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition Association

Based on our sustainability strategy, our association is systematically advancing specific initiatives in key areas such as climate change countermeasures, biodiversity conservation, resource circulation, ensuring fairness and inclusivity, and promoting education and behavioral change. We view the acquisition of this certification not as a goal, but as a renewed starting point. Together with various stakeholders, including representatives from different countries and international organizations, we will implement initiatives based on international standards and strive to create achievements and legacies for the realization of a sustainable society.

<ISO 20121 Certification Acquisition>

ISO 20121 Overview

ISO 20121 is an international standard that requires accurate understanding of the relationship between events and society, their impact on society, and the expectations of stakeholders regarding events. It provides a framework for management to achieve continuous improvement in sustainability from environmental, social, and economic perspectives throughout all activities related to event planning, operation, and evaluation.

Acquisition Details

Certification Standard

ISO 20121:2024

Scope of Application

The 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition hosted by the Public Interest Incorporated Association The 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition Association

Certification Body

BSI Group Japan K.K.

Date of Certification Acquisition

June 25, 2026

Significance of ISO 20121 Acquisition

Third-party certification has confirmed that the policies and objectives set by our association have been established as an Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS) based on ISO 20121 and are being appropriately operated through the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, meeting the requirements of ISO 20121. This demonstrates that a system is in place to comprehensively manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with the preparation and operation of GREEN×EXPO 2027 and to promote continuous improvement.